A total of 98 militants from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the PKK-affiliated Democratic Union Party (PYD) were killed in Turkey and northern Syria over the past week, local media reported Friday, citing the Turkish General Staff.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – According to the military statement, 27 terrorists were killed in anti-PKK operations in Turkey, which were still ongoing in the country's eastern provinces. A further 71 members of the PYD, were killed as part of the Euphrates Shield operation in Syria, the Daily Sabah reported.

Besides, 24 PKK shelters were captured by Turkish forces, and nearly one tonne of drugs was seized in the course of the operations.

The Euphrates Shield operation carried out by Turkey and the Free Syrian Army started on August 24, 2016. During the operation, the joint forces liberated the Syrian cities of Jarabulus and Al Bab. According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the aim of the operation was to clear the region of terrorists and make it a safety zone for refugees.

Turkey considers the PYD to be affiliated with the PKK, which is designated as a terrorist group in Turkey and the United States. Tensions between Ankara and the Kurds escalated in July 2015 when a ceasefire between Ankara and the PKK collapsed because of a series of terror attacks allegedly committed by PKK members.

The Kurds are living in parts of Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria. In Turkey, Kurds represent the largest ethnic minority, and are striving to create their own independent state.

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